Animal House… Last week we reported the Hartnell College Board of Trustees voted to ax its Animal Health Technology Program, despite allegations of Brown Act violations. The Monterey County District Attorney is still investigating. Chief Assistant District Attorney Terry Spitz says he requested Hartnell respond by June 25 to whether the Discontinuation Committee, which recommended shutting down AHT, was created by a formal act of the trustees. College officials have argued the committee isn’t subject to the open-meeting law, but students say they were denied testimony. [ZS]

Free Flowing… The public just got access to a lot more river, thanks to a fresh acquisition by the Big Sur Land Trust. Quail Lodge donated conservation easements on 10 acres of Carmel River habitat and 2 miles of public trail, and the trust bought a 3-acre parcel from the Rancho San Carlos Partnership for $1.3 million, with help from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The property will eventually be home to a river education center. The acquisition adds to BSLT’s Carmel River Parkway plan, which includes the 32-acre Moo Land property and the Odello East floodplain restoration project. [KA]

Multiple Debts… Multiple Sclerosis Community Services, a tri-county nonprofit that has served people with MS for 41 years, is closing due to a steep drop in donation and grants. MSCS said it was recently denied a grant because of insufficient funds: “At this point it would take a generous $50,000… to keep our doors open.” MSCS provided wheelchairs, hospital beds, scooters, meals and help with rent for people with MS and their families throughout Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. [ZS]

Small Biz Boost… In tough economic times, high-interest loans can cripple struggling mom-and-pops. Cue Washington: A new federal program will make $255 million in interest-free loans available to small businesses, according to Rep. Sam Farr’s office. The America’s Recovery Capital program, part of February’s stimulus package, will allow qualifying companies to borrow $35,000 at zero interest to pay down other business debts. Repayment begins one year later. The loans will be available through Sept. 30, 2010, or until funding runs out. For info, call the Small Business Administration’s Fresno office at 559-487-5791. [KA]